Materials: Paper leaves, markers, bulletin board or chart paper tree
Create a large paper tree on a bulletin board or chart paper. Explain that the tree will represent the classroom community. Each student receives a paper leaf and writes their name; one word that describes them; and one person, place, memory or tradition that matters to them.
Students add their leaves to the tree. Discuss how individual names and stories become part of a larger community. Connect this to the book’s emphasis on names, land, family and memory.
Discussion Questions:
- How is our classroom connected like the leaves on a tree?
- Why does every leaf matter?
- How do individual stories strengthen a community?
Extension: Keep the Identity Tree displayed during the unit and add new words or symbols after reading.
Student Product: Classroom Identity Tree